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Originally Posted By Caitlin

I'm 18 years old and I gave birth to a beautifully perfect little girl, Celia, on June 13, 2001. I had decided to place Celia for adoption because I felt that it the only decision that involved her best interests. I didn't think that it was fair for her to be deprived of the family she deserved just because I couldn't provide it. Another big factor in my decision was the fact that I am also an adoptee so I guess I could realize the possibility of an amazing outcome of my decision. I was fortunately blessed with an incredible family and I wanted to find a family similar to my own for Celia.

I opted for a semi-open adoption where I got to choose the family through letters and had the option to meet them which I did. That was one of the most reassuring things I have ever done in my life and meeting them confirmed 100 percent in my mind that I was making the right decision. I can't think of any two people more deserving of a child than Celia's adoptive parents.

This whole experience, the last nine months of my life, seeing this side of the adoption process, has completely changed my whole perspective on everything. I often felt angry and confused about why my birthmother had given me up and I felt a lot of resentment because she left me no information at all which is why I really wanted to provide the adoptive parents with pictures of me for when, if Celia asks when she's growing up.

I've gained such a new respect for my birthmother and everyone who has made this decision. You never really hear about the birthmother even though adoption is more and more popular. I never fully realized that for every adoptee, there is a woman like me who decided to give the greatest gift of all: the gift of life.

I just recently graduated, without actually attending the ceremony and only a few family members know about my pregnancy and decision. Those who don't know keep congratulating me for graduating but in my mind I like to think that I am being congratulated for creating a wonderful baby girl and giving two more than deserving people the family they've always wanted.

I am a completely different but 100 percent better person now than I was nine months ago and I just needed to share my story to people who might understand because I really hadn't been able to share it with anyone. Thank you for listening.